Steadily spreading efficiency

Article Abstract:

Japanese production techniques such as just-in-time inventory systems, total quality control and cellular manufacturing are recognized to be key reasons for the success of Japanese companies in the manufacturing sector. Many observers, however, still believe that these production techniques are too closely linked to the Japanese cultural make-up to be useful in the European manufacturing environment. The experience of companies such as Toyota and Nissan in their UK manufacturing facilities largely disproves this belief. In their UK plants, these Japanese automobile companies have managed to attain levels of productivity which are much higher than those of plants operated by European automobile makers and match the standards of plants in Japan. The key to the success of these transplants apparently lies in the modification of Japanese production techniques to suit the needs of a European workforce.

Motor vehicles and car bodies, Production management, Europe, Japan, Cover Story, Automobile industry, Corporations, Corporations, Japanese

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Brief encounters management

Article Abstract:

The practice of hiring temporary managers is gaining acceptance in the European business community. Given various names, such as 'executive temping,' 'interim management' and 'executive leasing,' the concept began in the 1980s when Dutch consultants Boer & Croon realized that many of their clients who needed restructuring advice also needed assistance in executing the reorganization program. The company teamed up with Swiss executive search firm Egon Zehnder and formed Executive Interim Management which now has 10 branches in Europe and Australia. The benefits of hiring short-term managers are numerous. One of these is that companies that cannot afford to hire people can still benefit from the skills and expertise of experienced executives. The practice is also cost-effective. The services of temporary managers are less expensive than those of consultants.

Employment agencies, Evaluation, Services, Employment, Executives, Employment services, Temporary employment

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